Year 3988, 12th Day of the 8th Moon
Ember Isle, Fliamma Kingdom, Continent of Humana

NO ONE could describe how ecstatic Elise was while she spent the rest of her time at the Medicine Chamber. Even Hadrien couldn't talk to her properly and left her alone.

The last time she came here, she didn't have the time to appreciate the place that should be called haven. She was contented staying at the library and the least of her expectation was to come back here since it was definitely a private space as the only way inside was to enter Hadrien's room first.

Her eyes were brimming with excitement as she carefully inspected everything in her sight. Plants that were just mere pictures to her previously were all within her reach. She was able to recall a single one of them — having a photographic memory that made her remember things at one glance — but, it was a different experience to see and touch it directly.

No exhaustion or drowsiness came to her as hours passed by, even the sense of time completely left her awareness.

"Elise, you're still here?"

She turned to see Hadrien standing in the doorway. He was rubbing his eyes as he let out a yawn. Paired with a loose linen shirt and messy hair, it was a morning look that could make any girl's heart skip a beat.

However, Elise was too absorbed in her own world and simply gave a nod. Hadrien peacefully left as she continued to pound more herbs.

Several minutes later, she finally combined everything and rushed outside.

"Look! I—"

"Ah!"

Hadrien's shout made her footsteps stop in an instant. Smooth pale skin welcomed her view. His body was lithe and skinny as expected from a son of a rich family.

'Quite different from Aricson with his toned muscles.' As soon as the thought crossed her mind, she quickly shook her head and wanted to mentally slap herself.

"Miss..." a man's voice interrupted her thoughts.

"Yes?"

"The young lord hasn't finished dressing up yet, Miss. Please give us some privacy," the man said, who she just noticed standing beside Hadrien.

He was wearing the same uniform as the other helpers with an all-black suit paired with a maroon tie and red buttons. The servant had a youthful countenance but this time, she doubted herself since there was no telling what their true age was.

For the most time she stayed here, Gerald was the only old-looking person she saw. If she did the math based on their age, he was probably a few hundred years old.

"Miss?"

"Oh, sorry. What did you say?"

"Please kindly leave us for a moment." The man gave a side glance to Hadrien who had a towel covering his body, his eyes trained on the floor but his ears were as crimson as his hair.

"I'm sorry. Please go to the Medicine Chamber once you're done," she stated and quickly ran back to the other room.

A KNOCK resounded a couple of minutes later. Elise hurriedly opened the door.

"I'm so—"

"You're here! Come!" She did not wait for him to finish as she dragged him to the working table.

She had been anticipating his arrival and she only grew excited the more she waited.

"See this? This is a mixture to help children with their headaches but I changed the flavor so it won't be bitter." She grabbed the bowl and handed it to him.

Hadrien took it and had a sip.

"It does taste sweet with a hint of sourness," he commented. "Did you put seven-colored petals?"

"Yes. It has a good flavor but it gives a peculiar shine. It actually looked gross so I decided to neutralize it by combining windstems," she explained.

Elise had been doing some theories to improve their medicines but with the access given to her in this chamber, she was able to do some trials that kept her awake all night.

The last time was a fluke and treating people should not just be based on luck. She was assured with her skills but she had not forgotten she was still in a new world so she needed to study it. So far, everything was fine.

"The petals have a distinct fragrance but the wind stems... Did you know it has extreme side effects for children?"

She ate her words of confidence in a second. She contemplated right away but then she discerned her memories and there was nothing that mentioned it.

"I hadn't read about that," she said, frowning unconsciously.

"It was just discovered recently and some books in the library are not updated yet. Don't worry. I'm sure Uncle Orin will bring some new ones when he returns," Hadrien assured.

"I'm glad you're not stuttering anymore," she complimented after she noted how he spoke.

Red tinge crept on his cheeks. Elise could not help but think he really was an adorable boy. If only her sister was as cute as him then they would always get along.

With that thought, she suddenly missed her family. It had been days already. Although she sometimes traveled for weeks or even months, this was a different case since there was no reassurance that she could go back.

"Are you okay? Did I do something?" He looked worried and reached out for her shoulder.

The sadness must have been obvious in her face that Hadrien mistook it and tried to comfort her.

"Hadrien, your lugga—" Dryann thwarted midway when her eyes darted on the pair.

Without wasting any moment, Dryann pulled Hadrien away from her. Her blue irises were like glaciers as she was sending looks that could kill.

"How dare you sneak into my younger brother's room. Isn't Aricson enough? And now Hadrien, too?" she berated, her arms folded across her chest.

"Elder Sister, it's not what you think." Hadrien immediately defended her.

"Then why is she holding you?"

'Is she blind?' Elise could not believe what kind of filter Dryann had. She had both her hands on her sides earlier so there was no way she was holding him.

"I was the one who touched her and I was just comforting her."

She listened to their exchange but Hadrien's wording undoubtedly caused a misunderstanding, earning another glare from Dryann.

"I thought you're a fine woman and now you're out seducing all my brothers!" she screeched.

Elise sneered at her words. "I should take the fine woman as a compliment, but I did not seduce all. Brennan had a lover remember? A pity."

She just could not help but taunt Dryann, especially when her face became flushed with annoyance.

"You!"

"Elise..."

She jokingly winked at Hadrien who was fidgeting at the side.

"Now, you're showing your true colors!" Dryann was hollering and pointed her finger at Elise.

"E-elder S-sister. I still need to prepare," Hadrien intervened to ease the tension and pulled Dryann to his side.

"Hmph!" She held her high up and Hadrien was persuading her and finally succeeded in making her go.

He returned to her after he closed the door.

"I'm sorry, Elise. Elder Sister is now angry at you because of me," Hadrien expressed his guilt, appearing like a little puppy.

"Don't worry. It was my words that made her angry and she's always upset at everything anyway." She wanted to chuckle but a yawn came out instead.

She caught a glimpse of the bright sun outside the room and it was high time to have a rest.

"I need to go, too. I suddenly feel sleepy."

"I understand. I already told the maidservants to keep my room open for you so you can come here anytime."

"Really? Thank you! Best of luck at your academy." She was over the moon that he permitted her to stay and encouragingly patted his shoulders.

He also gave her his gratitude and lead her to the door. He opened it for her and sent her off with a smile. "Have a good rest, Elise."

She sighed. How she wished that all men were gentlemen and polite like Hadrien. It would be such a blessing to all girls in the world, not like some aloof man she knew.

IN FRONT of her door, Dryann was standing with her feet tapping on the tiled floor. Elise clicked her tongue as she realized that there would be a continuation of their banter.

"Good, you're here," Dryann stated when she saw her.

'Here we go again.'

"What is it that our beloved Lady Dryann would actually wait for this humble one?" she asked and overdramatically bowed.

"You finally know how to address me with respect," Dryann said with her arms crossed which was becoming her usual pose. "And that's not the proper way to curtsy."

"Whatever. What brought you here? Do you want to chat or something? My! What an honor."

Dryann huffed and was obviously fuming mere seconds during their conversations.

"Are you being sarcastic?"

Elise gave a wry look. "Did you just notice it?"

"You're really testing my patience," Dryann quipped back, her brows almost mingling together.

"Same goes for you."

Their eyes imprisoned each other, filled with an obstinacy that would not yield.

"Anyway. I just want to remind you. You are nothing with unknown origins so don't you seduce my brother while I'm not here or else you wouldn't know where you'll end up to."

"Shall I take it as a warning?"

"If you're threatened by it, why not?"

She laughed to annoy her further as her face morphed with mischief. "Which brother, anyway?"

"Aricson, of course!"

Her mirth became ice cold. She, once again, recalled their argument last time. In addition to Dryann, Elise knew that she could not get along with their eldest brother. Something in them shortened her already exceedingly short temper.

"You don't have to worry. I swear won't be near him. I will rather be locked up in prison than be with him for another second."

"Why is that? My brother's a good catch!" Dryann voiced out with incredulity.

Elise rolled her eyes. Dryann and Erkhan were undeniably siblings with how they could not make up their minds.

 "Dang it. I don't really get you. I already said I don't like him then you're implying I should be. What do you want me to do, huh?" 

"Nothing. There is someone who understands my brother more," Dryann declared so smugly.

"Your friend? Isabella, is it?" she hunched.

"How'd you know that? That's our secret!"

She could not believe that Dryann was not even aware of how obvious her friend was based on Faylinn's stories. She guessed denseness actually ran in their family.

"You better keep your mouth shut, understand?" Dryann sent her a menacing look which she just disregarded.

"Fine. Can I enter my room now?" Elise surrendered since their verbal war only made her wearier.

"Remember what I said, or else..."

"Yes, yes. I know. Have a safe trip," she paused and entered the room. She left a slight gap before adding, "Only because Hadrien is with you."

"You fiend!!!"

She quickly closed the door amidst Dryann's scream. It was childish but she did not care. She could hear her voice on the other side and a laugh left her lips. But when she reached her bed, weariness enveloped her right away. Not a moment later, she was fast asleep.